Australian space manufacturing capability to be boosted

The emerging space manufacturing sector in Australia is set for a boost via signings of two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the Australian Space Agency and the NSW and ACT governments this month.

A MoU was signed between the ACT and ASA on 12 March, with another between NSW government and ASA on 21 March.

The MoU between the ASA and ACT includes cooperation and joint ventures in developing quantum communications, deep space communications, design, test and qualification of space hardware, space situational awareness, and space law.

In NSW, The Morrison Government has pledged a $2 million investment in space manufacturing capabilities at Western Sydney’s Aerotropolis facility. The Aerotropolis facility is a new central hub for space-related startup businesses and small-to-medium sized businesses (SMEs) to collaborate and innovate.

“We are contributing $2 million to support the development of infrastructure to help startups and SMEs in Western Sydney deliver future space manufacturing capability,” The Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science, and Technology.

“The Liberal National Government established the Australian Space Agency last year and is investing $53 million over four years to grow the Australian space industry.

“Investments into Australia’s burgeoning industries are part of our plan to grow the economy and help reach our target of creating 1.25 million jobs in the next five years.”

At current, one in four jobs in the space sector are found in the ACT. The Morrison Government is aiming to triple the size of the space sector by 2030. The government estimates the sector will reach $12 billion a year while creating up to 20,000 new jobs over that time frame.

The Australian Space Agency was created in July 2018 to develop the space manufacturing and industry sector. The Morrison Government has invested $53 million over four years to grow the space sector. The ASA is also the primary source of advice to the Government on civil space policy.

With further MoUs and initiatives, the ASA aims to create over 1.25 million jobs over the next five years.

The goals of the ASA were further bolstered this week by the establishment of a new space research facility at the University of Southern Queensland.

The Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences in Toowoomba and Mount Kent Observatory will focus on hypersonic propulsion systems, advanced materials, and astrophysics.

The Institute has signed agreements with the US National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) and equivalent agencies in Germany and Japan.